Good morning! This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly roundup of regulatory developments, legislative discussions, political announcements and other government-related news regarding the environment, climate change, and fish, wildlife and habitat conservation. Every Monday, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

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Start Date: 2025-05-11
End Date: 2025-05-19

Top Headlines

Main Stories

National Report Sheds Light on Ecosystem Provisioning Services

Statistics Canada's Census of Environment indicates ongoing tracking of ecosystem provisioning services, specifically benefits harvested from Canada’s ecosystems such as timber, crops, wild fish, and shellfish. The dataset, released May 13, is aimed at assisting stakeholders in understanding the supply of ecosystem goods and the implications of environmental change on resource-dependent industries, supporting planning and environmental impact disclosures.

Sources: Open Government Data Set: www.statcan.gc.ca

Critical Habitat Protections for Eastern Banded Tigersnail in Point Pelee National Park

The Canada Gazette, Part I, published a notice under the Species at Risk Act on May 17 designating 90 days' notice for legal protection of the Eastern Banded Tigersnail's critical habitat in Point Pelee National Park, Ontario. This terrestrial snail, listed on Schedule 1 of the SARA, has its critical habitat identified in the Recovery Strategy, and from August 2025 onward, subsection 58(1) protections will apply. The measure was initiated by Parks Canada, with the specific location on Middle Island, Lake Erie. Regulatory compliance for any activities within the designated zone will be mandatory, with the boundaries described in the Canada National Parks Act. The action is formalized by the Southwestern Ontario Field Unit Superintendent.

Sources: Gazette, Part I: www.gazette.gc.ca

Provincial Announcements

Fire and Travel Restrictions Escalate in Manitoba Amid Ongoing Wildfires

Manitoba Wildfire Service issued Fire Bulletin #8 on May 16, implementing Level 3 fire bans and extensive travel restrictions in southeast regions due to ongoing wildfires and evacuations.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.gov.mb.ca

Alberta Introduces Mandatory Watercraft Inspections to Prevent Invasive Mussels

Alberta is implementing province-wide, mandatory inspections for all watercraft entering from eastern and southern borders beginning June 1, 2025, to combat invasive zebra and quagga mussels.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

Wildlife Habitat and Ecosystem Benefits Mapped in British Columbia

British Columbia updated its legal boundaries data for wildlife habitat areas, including regions critical for at-risk and regionally significant wildlife,.

Sources: Open Government Data Set: open.canada.ca

B.C. Launches Provincial Forest Advisory Council for Sector Engagement

A new Provincial Forest Advisory Council will advise British Columbia on forest stewardship and coordination with stakeholders, providing interim feedback by fall and final recommendations by year-end 2025.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.gov.bc.ca

Nova Scotia Designates New Special Planning Area After Environmental Reviews

Nova Scotia designated 255 hectares west of Highway 102 in Halifax as a new special planning area, following community studies on environment, land use, and infrastructure.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.novascotia.ca

Saskatchewan Encourages Registration of Values at Risk Ahead of Wildfire Season

The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency is encouraging property owners to register assets under the Values At Risk program to assist during wildfire response.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.saskatchewan.ca

Quebec and CSA Publish Joint Standard for Hydrogen Environmental Impact Reporting

A harmonized Canada-U.S. standard for measuring the environmental impact and carbon intensity of hydrogen production was published by the Bureau de normalisation du Québec and CSA Group.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.quebec.ca

Press Conference Announces Plans for Matagami Transshipment Yard in Quebec

Minister Maïté Blanchette Vézina announced an upcoming press conference in Matagami, Quebec, concerning developments at the Matagami transshipment yard, scheduled for May 12.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.quebec.ca

B.C. Broad Ecosystem Inventory Reports Regional Wildlife Habitat Ratings

British Columbia published updates to its Broad Ecosystem Inventory Classification, which includes wildlife habitat ratings and distribution information relevant to multiple regional land and resource planning initiatives.

Sources: Open Government Data Set: open.canada.ca

B.C. Reports Updated Fish Holding Area Data Along Coast

Updated legacy data for salmon and herring holding areas in coastal British Columbia are now available, including concentration and spawning activity attributes.

Sources: Open Government Data Set: open.canada.ca

British Columbia Proposes and Approves New Wildlife Habitat Areas

Proposed and approved wildlife habitat areas for at-risk species were mapped and published by the B.C. government, outlining areas under consideration and approval across the province.

Sources: Open Government Data Set: open.canada.ca

Public Officials' Social Media

Bob Zimmer, MP, questioned Mark Carney's commitment to the forest industry, referencing sector advocacy in a May 14 post.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Rick Perkins, MP, expressed concerns on May 13 regarding the actions of the Liberal Fisheries Minister and ongoing impacts to commercial fisheries.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Eric Melillo, MP, voiced support for residents affected by wildfires in Wabaseemoong on May 15, urging adherence to MNR's fire safety orders.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Bob Zimmer, MP, affirmed support for workers in forestry and other sectors in a May 15 social media post.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Ryan Turnbull, MP, discussed climate finance and federal support for net-zero investment during a conversation with Barb Zvan, posted May 15.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Patrick Weiler, MP, described his participation with the Marine Life Sanctuaries Society and Squamish Nation’s land-based outdoor education event.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Ryan Turnbull, MP, met with leaders from Queen’s University’s Institute for Sustainable Finance to discuss business and government collaboration for clean energy in a May 16 post.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Robert Oliphant, MP, recognized educational efforts in conservation and climate action led by Dr. Roberta Bondar and her foundation on May 16.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

What We're Reading This Week

• B.C. appoints council to improve forest sector and the forestry ecosystem: B.C. forms an advisory council to strengthen the forestry sector and ecosystems.
• An update on the proposed National Marine Conservation area off northern Labrador: CBC examines developments on a new national marine conservation area in Labrador.
• Why southwestern Ontario's conservationists worry Bill 5 could erase history and wildlife: CBC reports on concerns about heritage and wildlife protection under Ontario's Bill 5.
• Global News Hour at 6 Edmonton: Updates on Alberta’s legal challenge regarding the federal Impact Assessment Act.